Steve North, AZED Pro
Economic Development Director
City of Show Low
Member since 1997
Steve has over 30 years of experience in various aspects of economic development. He currently serves as the Economic Development Director for the City of Show Low and is responsible for attracting new business and investment, helping existing businesses to expand and grow, assisting start-up businesses, and improving the business climate. Steve earned a B.S. degree in Urban Geography from Arizona State University in 1991 and attained the AZED Pro designation from AAED in 2019. Steve has been an active member of AAED since 2007 and currently serves on the Rural Committee. Steve is active with several other professional organizations and is a board member for the NACOG Economic Development Council, the Show Low Chamber of Commerce, Arizona at Work Northeastern Arizon, and the REAL AZ economic development organization. Additionally, Steve is a co-founder and co-owner of two businesses in Show Low.
Please describe your involvement in AAED.
I regularly attended conferences and AAED events during my first stint as a member and served as Co-Chair of the Professional Interaction Committee in about 2000-2001. Since rejoining AAED in 2007, I have regularly attended the AAED Fall Forum and sometimes attend the Spring Conference. I also earned my AZED Pro designation in 2019 and have served as a mentor to two Emerging Leaders during FY 2023-24. I currently serve as an active member of the Rural Committee.
Which committees have you served on?
Rural.
Why do you want to serve as a member of the AAED Board of Directors?
I have more than 30 years of experience in various aspects of economic development, including business attraction, business retention and expansion, entrepreneur development and support, technology transfer, and sponsored research relationships. I even have experience as an actual site selector and therefore understand that side of the equation as well. I have encountered many changes in the field over the years and have adjusted and gained much knowledge along the way. Much of my economic development experiences were in rural or non-metro communities where creativity and out-of-the-box thinking are essential for success. I also have extensive experience serving in a variety of roles on various boards and have even served as executive director for a few over the years. This combination of experience and creativity gives me a unique perspective to make a big impact on AAED as a member of the Board of Directors. As I move closer to retirement age, the pull is strong for me to give back to the organization that has done so much to further my career in economic development.